HUNTINGTON, West Virginia. The Cabell-Huntington Health Department wants to alert the community of a spike in positive cases of COVID-19 disease. “Investigation is ongoing, but at this time, we have received reports of 10 new cases since yesterday,” reports physician director, Dr. Michael Kilkenny. The cases appear to be related to recent travel to South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, as well as community spread that is not travel related. The case contact tracing unit of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department is completing the interviewing process in these investigations and is advising isolation and quarantine procedures to affected individuals.
The Cabell-Huntington Health Department is strongly recommending everyone to adhere to the protocols and guidelines set forth by the WV Governor’s Office, the CDC, and the WV Bureau for Public Health. Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
“The rapid increase in new cases is alarming and is cause for all Cabell Countians to review their plans for travel, family get-togethers, and gatherings like graduations and weddings, since all of these can put you at risk to catch this disease,” states Dr. Kilkenny. “For the most part, these cases have occurred when face covering was not used, and distancing was not observed. If we are to continue to participate in these activities, we must use every available precaution.”
The Cabell-Huntington Health Department strongly encourages everyone to practice the measures in place for their protection. These measures include frequent hand washing, face coverings to include a mask, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact and cover coughs and sneezes. Measures must also take special care to protect individuals at increased risk of severe disease – people who are older or have other medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disease, and others.
As part of Cabell County’s continued preparation and response for COVID-19, the health department is operating a call center to address general questions and concerns, hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (304) 526-6544. Calls from 4:00 – 6:00 pm are routed to our after hours answering service for distribution and return calls.
